Dixonville School Fire Update

Dixonville School Fire Update

Dixonville School Fire Update - Temporary school to be set up at Dixonville Community HallFor immediate release
February 2, 2017- At approximately 8:50 am yesterday morning (February 1, 2017), fire and smoke was noticed in the storage area of the gymnasium at Dixonville School. Staff and students immediately evacuated the school and safely relocated at the Dixonville Community Hall. Emergency responders were called and parents were notified of the emergency.

“Staff, students, parents, community, and emergency personnel responded to the fire in an extremely efficient, safe and caring nature” says Paul Bennett, Peace River School Division (PRSD) Superintendent. “We extend our gratitude and commend all involved for their outstanding response to this emergency.”

Classes for Dixonville School students are expected to resume on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the Dixonville Community Hall, a temporary school until the repairs and restoration of the school are complete. Dixonville School, facilities and management staff will immediately begin to prepare the Dixonville Community Hall for classes expected to resume next week.

“We are very thankful for the support of the Dixonville L.I.F.E Agricultural Society who housed the students during the evacuation at the Community Hall” says Bennett. “They have been very supportive and welcoming to make the Community Hall available for teaching and learning until the school is fit for use” says Bennett.

Premier Fire and Flood Restoration and Alberta Municipal Affairs Public Safety Division representatives were on-site today and anticipate the main part of the school to be fit for re-entry in one month. It is expected to take approximately three months to repair and restore the gymnasium.

The insurance adjuster from Crawford and Company (Canada) Inc. arrived late this afternoon to assess the damage. PRSD expects to be able to update Dixonville School families tomorrow on the status of their children’s personal belongings.